Hi! I am Maria.
In the picture on this page, I'm the person on the left.
I am based in Vicenza, Italy, but I offer online Language coaching sessions worldwide. So far, I have helped thousands of people to realize, embrace and express themselves while speaking English, a foreign language to them. Improving English has led to some tremendous changes in their lives. So, this is what I'm going to do with you. Help you find your unique way to express yourself in English exactly how you intended to in your native language.

My story



I'm what in America is called an "Army BRAT."
B.R.A.T. is an acronym to define children whose parents are career military personnel, and therefore they are B-being R-relocated A-all(the) T-(time) since their parents often move from
one location to another for work.
I have traveled quite a bit while growing up. My parents had to work in various countries, and we relocated approximately every three years. I lived in California, Virginia, Maryland, Germany, Korea, and Italy, where I currently live.
I acquired a love for languages very young. I didn't learn Korean, but I learned German, French, and Italian. I'll share a secret: I'm still studying them all!
Yes, I believe we never stop learning. If you've been studying English for many years, I understand. Learning a new language is a journey into a new culture and mentality that can be intimidating, especially if you need to use English at work - a moment in which your professionalism is under scrutiny. You may not understand what is being said or you're unable to get your message across exactly how you intended, creating misunderstanding and confusion.
After an extensive period working for major multinational companies, I decided to support my non-native English students in their language journey by capitalizing on technology. I offer online learning solutions such as courses but also blended learning programs so my students can continue to learn even outside a classroom environment whenever it's most convenient for them.
The English Coach is my online classroom: a place where you can clarify grammar doubts, improve your pronunciation, and feel less like a fish out of water when you speak English at work.
Would you like me to help you express your true self even while speaking a foreign language?
Click here and I will evaluate your English proficiency and give you suggestions on how to improve.
Speak English with Confidence
What my clients say.....

Dear Maria Portillo "The Teacher", thank you for being an amazing English teacher kind and welcoming. I really appreciate your method of teaching, you're wonderful at explaining in a very clear and organized way.Thanks for your encouragement and for pushing me beyond what I thought were my limits with speaking, please continue to do what you do best. I want to thank you for all your help, and I would highly recommend Maria to anyone looking to take an English course. Thank you.
Franco G. - Learner who wanted to move to an English-Speaking Country
"I have no special talents, I am only passionately curious"
Albert Einstein
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree
University of Maryland
Bachelor of Science in Global Business and Public Policy
Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages
Cambridge Assessment English
CELTA - Cambridge English Level 5 Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
English Pronunciation Teaching
Mark Hancock & Veigga
Hancock and Veigga Pronunciation Course for Teachers
Teach English Now!
Arizona State University
Foundational Principles in Teaching English as a foreign language
English in Early Childhood – Language Learning and Development
British Council
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Languages
Proficiency based on Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
ENGLISH - Native Speaker
ITALIAN - C2 Advanced Mastery
GERMAN - B1 Independent User - Threshold
SPANISH - A2 Basic User Waystage
CROATIAN - A1 Basic User Breakthrough
FRENCH - A1 Basic User Breakthrough